NexiGo Gripcon Switch Controller for Handheld Mode, Ergonomic Controller for Nintendo Switch with 6-Axis Gyro, Dual Motor Vibration, Compatible with All Games of Switch, Not for OLED

I don't write product reviews often, but I felt I should take the time with this item. With less than a year (supposedly) until we have a "Switch 2", I decided to freshen up my Switch as I try to knock out any remaining games I want finish before the next console. I wanted a full set of features with this new handheld. My main criteria: comfort/ergonomics, gyro, vibration, back paddles.First I'll talk about two other popular options I tried and finish with my Nexigo gripcon experience in the last few paragraphs.I've used the Holi split pad pro quite a bit, and while it does feel REALLY great in hand it's missing gyro and vibration. Might not matter to some, but in my new handheld I wanted something with the full suite of features.The Nitro Deck has been getting a lot of attention lately, and I tried that as well. The build quality is great, and while is has gyro, vibration, back paddles... honestly the ergonomics did not appeal to me. It feels closer to a Steam Deck in hand and in appearance, but not nearly as comfortable. And the right thumbstick in relation to the ABXY buttons was also a problem many others have reported. You could probably get used to it, but it was very awkward for me. Another issue was the lack of adjustable vibration - could only be set to on/off and to me it was too distracting when on. Less is more when it comes to rumble in my opinion... playing Mario Wonder the thing was buzzing constantly. Honestly I think the Nitro Deck looks good, and certainly has some great marketing, but it just wasn't enjoyable in hand to me.Which finally brings me to the product at hand, this Nexigo Hall effect gripcon. This thing is the culmination of all their previous models, has every feature you could want - I won't list them all here as you can read the product description, but this is one of the few decks out there that does "everything" and wraps it up in a package with superb build quality (really, I'd compare it to the Nintendo pro controller) and looks great as well.The Gripcon fits my average sized male hands very comfortably - FAR more so than the Nitro Deck, the ergonomics are no comparison. Thumbsticks feel fantastic and are in perfect position in relation to the d-pad and ABXY buttons. Vibration is adjustable to several different intensities, a rare feature but was key to me. The lightest setting is perfect for me - subtle, not overbearing, but it's there. Also, this thing is it's own dock, which is a really cool feature I wasn't even looking for. Your Switch can live in the Nexigo, because all you need to do for docked mode is pop your USB-C and HDMI cable into it and you're good to go. Yank em out when you want to go portable again. So easy - not to mention it upscales the video output to 4K which is something the branded Switch Dock does NOT do. It even has a USB-A slot so you can hook up, for example, a headphone dongle. Add in a few other bells & whistles like cartridge storage slots, turbo, and a kickstand because why not? If I had one criticism, it's that the ABXY buttons are a *little* bit "clicky" for my taste, but honestly after a couple minutes of play I don't even notice.After trying out multiple grips/attachments, reading many reviews, and sifting though plenty of comparable products, in my opinion this Gripcon is the pinnacle of Switch handheld (and docked) play. I would recommend this to anyone who owns a Switch.

Bought these for the kids to use on our long car trips, and in the camper. They have been great! Easy to use and charge

I’m coming from an older NexiGo model that was made for both the original Switch and the OLED, (I own the original model.) it included rails to mount on the sides of the switch to make the original Switch fit that unit. I’m using those rails today in this new purple NexiGo controller. This older model was used for a year and a half, 8 hours a day, then one day the buttons became extremely loose, so much play, it was hard to use it. My husband tore it down and couldn’t see a visible problem causing this, so I assume the silicone switch just wore out, even though visually it looked fine. So enter this new NexiGo purple unit.It plugged right in. Worked perfect from the first click. Having used several of these units I know about the settings in the actual Switch unit to make the switch, “see” the grip controller. So we were off and playing in seconds! See instructions and READ them if your unit doesn’t work!!The first thing I noticed right off the top is the use of haptic vibration over the motor vibration used in my older model. This, in my opinion was a huge mistake. I have exclusively played Animal Crossing. The haptic buzz in this unit is not as strong as my phone! Yes, they adjust Light, Medium & Strong. But it matters not which you choose, because they are the same flat buzz, just stronger, no immersive feeling game play. This is where I notice the difference. When catching a fish in game, I got so I pretty much knew what fish it was, by the vibrations from the unit. They were very clearly noticeable for all the over 60 plus variety of fish in the game. The vibration was wonderful, feeling quite immersed. Now with this purple unit that is gone. There is very little discernible difference in the vibration between a huge White Shark and a small Goldfish. Just a flat vibration, not real immersive game kicking fun. Very disappointing.Another disappointment over the older model is no interchangeable Joy sticks. Bummer! They look good and do come with other covers, which I choose not to use. They feel great.The third immediate difference is the size between the two units, I am a yes, 71 year old grandma with large hands. This unit is much smaller in the hands than the old NexiGo, and I find my thumbs cramping. The older unit doesn’t look larger, the difference is in the hand holds themselves, (see photos) they are much deeper in depth. This unit seems made for a bigger kid rather than an adult. See pictures! I would have considered buying the same older unit, but the sloppy buttons are NOT a distant memory.These issues are almost deal breakers for me. I will never use the mappable buttons. EVER. They are a nice touch if you are into that kind of thing, up I find nothing wrong with the existing set up. Granted I don’t play a lot of other games.This split up D pad is not my favorite layout, as I prefer the solid one piece D pad, but the transition to the split arrangement has not been an issue. I just don’t like that configuration. There seems to be a lot of “travel” in the buttons, before a response in game.Okay, the good? I love the top C plug for charging. Beautiful addition to this new unit. The color is awesome. The stand has a padded back, and seems nice and sturdy, but another touch I will never use. The BAXY buttons are clicky and nice. The unit itself has a nice soft material to protect the back of your Switch unit.Two game card slots on the back are a nice touch.It has an HDMI port, and a USB 3.0 port. Top charging C port Is ahuge plus, and the one thing that will make me keep this unit.The unit itself is lighter than the old version, it’s noticeable. However it is a much smaller unit. And the old version has the heavier motor driven vibration effect, adding to the weight. The thumb cramping may be a deal breaker too. We will see, over the next week or so. This size seems only a step up from stock grips. Except for the ergonomics, which do make all the difference in the world.The build on this unit is nice. Sturdy, well made.For now I will keep this newer unit. Basically I NEED it, but will continue to look at others. I was looking for a basic controller without all the bells and whistles that I will never use. I will continue to look further. I just wish this weren’t so small!Bottom line is four stars for a nice build with all the bells and whistles you could want. I will be back for an update. Since I have only used this a few hours. Initial impressions. I’ve now used this for several days, and the haptics and size may earn it a free ride back to the Zon.

Your Nintendo Switch will recognize this as a wired pro controller, which means you can remap the buttons through the Nintendo Switch menu, which means you can play GoldenEye and Perfect Dark with modern-like controls, while still in handheld mode.That part was important to me. If that's important to you, you'll be pleased with this controller.